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Indian Art Series: The Great Goddess Battles the Demons
by Karishma SrivastavaThe story is told at great length in the Devi Mahatmya - literally, 'Glory of the Great Goddess', also referred as Durga Saptashati - a text embedded inside 'Markandeya Purana'. The folio of is from a dispersed manuscript of the Devi Mahatmya.
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Shiva, Ever Solicitous of His Other Half
by Vikas KumarThis painting is from Rasmanjari, a classical Sanskrit text by BhanuDatta.
In the text, the writer seems to be envisioning Shiva as ArdhaNarishwar, his androgynous aspect. The painter has been very creative to capture this aspect by keeping Parvati always on the right side in the painting. -
Krishna lifting the Mount Govardhana: Great Indian Paintings
by Vikas KumarThis story depicts a scene from Mahabharata, where Krishna lifts the Mount Govardhana to save the animals and villagers from the wrath of Indra.
Made using striking imagination, intricate details, and the godly figure of Krishna in the middle, lifting the mountain with ease, this painting is part of the Bhagavata Purana series. This is currently on display at British Museum, London
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The Celestial Chariot: Great Indian Paintings
by Vikas KumarDepicting the scene of King Rama's return from Lanka, along with Sita, in the Vimana, made of Gold, by the Kuber, this folio from a dispersed Ramayana series is a brilliant work of art.
This detailed work is full of different scenes, Rama uniting with Sita; residents of Lanka in despair because of Rama's departure; monkeys having fun, diving in water; birds flying in the sky.
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Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in Exile: Great Indian paintings
by Vikas KumarDone during the Mughal period, in the 16th century, this beautifully designed painting depicts a scene of King Rama in exile.
Rama is sitting in between, dark blue in color is listening to Sita. Lakshmana is sitting, listening in suspicion.
This folio is part of Ramayana series, made using Opaque watercolor and gold on paper -
The House of Bijapur: Great Indian Paintings
by Vikas KumarThis exquisite work of art was made by Kamal & Chand Muhammad during the 17th century, in the Bijapur region, ruled by Safavid Dynasty. The painting shows all the Sultans, and the founder seated on the central throne.
This painting is on display at Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
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The Goddess Saraswati Enthroned: Great Indian Paintings
by Vikas KumarIbrahim Adil Shah II, Sultan of Bijapur during 17th century paid open tribute to Hindu gods and goddesses. he was passionate about Indian classical music, thus his tribute to Goddess Saraswati.
Painting is full of vibrant colors and richly decorated. Goddess is in the center of the painting, sitting on a throne, holding Veena, a musical instrument in her hand. -
The Virgin and Child - Great Indian Paintings
by Vikas KumarThis beautiful painting, made during the Mughal rule, the regin of Akbar, clearly depicts the impact of Europe in Indian painting. Other documentary evidences including letters from Jesuit travelers, Abul Fazal also tell the interest of Indian artists in European Works.
This exquisitely done artwork is at display tt San Diego Museum of Art, Edwin Binney Collection -
The Speaking Tree - Great Indian Paintings
by Vikas KumarSpeaking tree is amongst the legends popular in teh Islamic World. It's believed to bore human fruits. It finds mention in Firdausi's Shahnama and Nizami's Iskandarnama.
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Indian Art Series: The Great Goddess Battles the Demons
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Shiva, Ever Solicitous of His Other Half
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Krishna lifting the Mount Govardhana: Great Indian Paintings
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The Celestial Chariot: Great Indian Paintings
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Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in Exile: Great Indian paintings
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The House of Bijapur: Great Indian Paintings
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The Goddess Saraswati Enthroned: Great Indian Paintings
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The Virgin and Child - Great Indian Paintings
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The Speaking Tree - Great Indian Paintings